Oleo strut height

Post by **joea** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 09:03

Mike,

AOHell is not "friendly" to many forums and bulletin boards on the internet.

A tip. Download Firefox and after logging into AOL at home minimize EVERYTHING. Then open Firefox browser and use that to navigate around the internet.

Its an excellent browser and does not have everyone and their dog writing virus's against it, so is safer then IE.

Joe

hammmike · Post by **hammmike** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 09:15

Thanks for the help. Does the gear look right? What do I need to check for. Height,fluid level.

Post by **joea** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 09:26

Mike,

I have to say that I do not know anything about the "no bounce" landing gear but if I were to guess would say that they are a bit low but not much.

Look at the photos that Nate posted and yours are not far off but not knowing anything about it do not feel qualified to say much more.

Someone else will chime in who knows this type of gear. I can get the photos up and posted for you but thats it on this!

Joe

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 10:03

Mike,
They could be a little higher but look operational. The taxi spring inside the oleo sets the ride height.

There are two styles of springs and proper servicing cannot be determined by the exposed area. Once drained this style uses a specific quantity of oil. I use hydraulic jack oil or motorcycle fork oil. Get a Service Manual for the proper instructions.

If you don't have a A&P or Inspector you use, now would be a good time to involve one.

If you swing a long prop or do much off field stuff there is a modification you can do to increase your prop clearance with this style of oleo.

Paul

Mikek · Post by **Mikek** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 10:09

hammmike wrote:Thanks for the help. Does the gear look right? What do I need to check for. Height,fluid level.

Mike, looks like most I have seen, might be alittle on the low side, 1 to 2 in. is what most that I see. The fluid level does not control the height it is the taxi spring that sets how much sticks out, the fluid and main spring is there to take the shock load from landing.

You might want to do a few tests:

Pull down on each wing strut up at the wing then release and see how much spring (movement there is in the Oleo strut). Do this on both sides.

Now push up on the wing strut (up at the wing attachment point not to damage the strut) hold it for 3-5 sec then release, it should settle smoothly then extended to that 1 to 2 in point. If it sounds like it is hitting pretty solid your fluid level might be low.

Now just rock the wing gently up/down some and if you hear a solid sound your taxi spring might be broken or just no sring left in it.

Mike, most all standard or no bounce landing gears need to be reworked, if your still has some spring in it then go fly and get your plan in action to work with your AI to work them over when there is no flyin coming up.

Last thing you should come up to the NAA flyin in Middletown, Ohio in June and walk the line & talk to some of the members that know these gears.

Mike K, who has the standard oleo

hammmike · Post by **hammmike** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:15

Thanks for the help. I will check it this evening.

BobK · Post by **BobK** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 13:15

If you swing a long prop or do much off field stuff there is a modification you can do to increase your prop clearance with this style of oleo.

I fall into that category, and would like to increase prop clearance. I had been looking at Carl's gear as the only option, but would like to hear about the modification you are talking about. I currently have the standard Oleo gear.

Thanks !

Bob K.
Anchorage, AK

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 14:05

Bob,
I sent you a PM on this subject.
Paul

WWhunter · Post by **WWhunter** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 14:12

Paul,

I would love to have this info also if it isn't too much trouble.

Thanks,
keith

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 14:45

Keith,
I sent you a copy of the PM.
This subject may have opened a can of worms.
Some of the processes used in Alaska are specific to the area and are not generally tolerated in the lower 48. I will be happy to exchange any information I have via a PM.
Paul

Jon B. · Post by **Jon B.** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 16:27

BobK wrote:
If you swing a long prop or do much off field stuff there is a modification you can do to increase your prop clearance with this style of oleo.
I fall into that category, and would like to increase prop clearance. I had been looking at Carl's gear as the only option, but would like to hear about the modification you are talking about. I currently have the standard Oleo gear.

Thanks !

Bob K.
Anchorage, AK

A set of 31-inch Bushwheels would add significant height for prop clearance! STC'd even. Send money to Wup and Bill, wait for tires, enjoy!

Jon B.

BobK · Post by **BobK** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 16:37

Maybe some day.... I sent Wup an email asking about their Baby Bushwheel tailwheel fork kit, and about the differences between the 29" Airstreaks vs 29" BW's. Havent heard back yet, but I'll talk to them at the Alaska Airmans Show in a couple weeks about it.

Speaking of... Anyone else going to either the Airmans Show, or the Valdez Fly-In ? I'll be there with a few buddies.

Bob K.
Anchorage, AK

Mac · Post by **Mac** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 22:37

Paul,

Can you shoot me a copy of your information as well? I would like to extend my gear as well.

Thanks in advance.

Scott

hammmike · Post by **hammmike** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 15:19

I would like to have the info also. Thanks Mike

Senior · Post by **Senior** » Fri May 08, 2009 09:18

[quote="Paul Agaliot
If you have the standard oleo's the taxi springs have probably compressed. Generally this is from the oleo being under serviced.
Paul[/quote]

I too have a Chief like Mikes with next to no ride height, standard oleo's.
When I check schematics on
http://www.hangar9aeroworks.com/Aeronca ... strut.html
it doesn't show any taxi spring?? only shows it on the no-bounce gear.
I went ahead & ordered a new set of springs (1-2256) & packing but am now confused on this taxi spring??

PS Paul, I too would like to see the Alaska ride height mod you speak of

National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

Oleo strut height

Extended gear